The LA Music Academy Announces Deadline For The Ritmos Auténticos Scholarship.

The LA Music Academy announced the deadline of Ritmos Auténticos—a one-year scholarship program created to support talented Hispanic adult students aspiring to further their musical interests and careers at The Academy. The deadline for Ritmos Auténticos was originally scheduled for January 31, 2004 although has been extended to May 31, 2004 due to increased student interest and positive feedback.

Created in partnership with Tecate, the Ritmos Auténticos scholarship awards a talented artist a full-year scholarship for $13,000. The winner will be selected based on musical talent, a desire to pursue a professional music career at The LA Music Academy, and the ability to pass the entrance requirements for The Academy.

“We’ve seen a considerable growing interest in the scholarship which compelled us to extend the deadline,” said C. Thomas Aylesbury, executive director of The LA Music Academy. “We’re pleased to support the search for the next generation of Hispanic music talent, and hope to receive additional applications within the next few weeks prior to our deadline.”

The LA Music Academy was founded in 1996 by a number of prominent LA-based musicians whose idea was to create a different kind of school that truly maximizes the improvement and learning received in the shortest possible time. The Academy offers intense musical training in drums, bass, guitar, and vocals in small group settings. This intense and focused approach improves playing skills rapidly in the most practical and important elements of musicianship. Some of the Academy’s recent graduates include Lifehouse’s Sean & Rick Woolstenhulme; Nate Wood, formerly of The Calling; Warner Bros. Artist Debbie Nova; and Florian Reinert of Paloalto.

“Tecate wishes to inspire artists who are committed to preserving the spirit of Mexican music and give them the means to pursue their musical talents, said Andres Siefken, senior brand manager, Tecate, Labatt USA. Our partnership with The Academy is intended to support specifically the growing numbers of aspiring artists of Hispanic decent in Southern California.

Ritmos Auténticos is open to Hispanic adult students age 21 and over with musical talent and a desire to pursue a professional music career at the LA Music Academy. To apply, students must complete an official scholarship application and submit a videotape, CD, or cassette containing an original song (with or without lyrics) or performance that embodies the Tecate brand dimensions (hard working, audacious, and brave). The piece could be developed utilizing any music genre reflecting Mexican influence such as Rock en Español, Cumbia, Ranchera, Quebradita, Nor-Tec, etc. Applications must be postmarked no later than May 31, 2004.

For more information regarding Ritmos Auténticos or to download an application, visit http://www.lamusicacademy.com/ritmo

The LA Music Academy is the most direct and effective program for educating contemporary musicians. Founded by top LA-area pro musicians in 1996, the program emphasizes an intimate, personalized atmosphere and daily live performance experience with professional accompanists.